Dear Angel, I am thinking about moving to a senior living community sometime in the near future. So, now is the time to start figuring out what to do with the houseful of furniture, artwork, china, crystal, jewelry, and sentimental collections I … [Continue reading]
Is Suicide a “Rational” Option for Seniors?
Robert Shoots was a retired house painter who was happily remarried and enjoyed good health. He went fishing and played golf often, showing no signs of depression or other mental illness. Yet, Shoots took his own life, and he planned for it for a … [Continue reading]
The Power of the Purr
Dear BeBe, I am completely stressed out caregiving for my father who has Alzheimer's, although I admit it's a labor of love. I think my lack of life balance is affecting my health. My brother told me that the purr of a cat helps … [Continue reading]
Can They Kick Her Out of Assisted Living?
Jeff Regan received a shocking phone call from Atria Assisted Living to inform him that his aunt, Marilou Jones, 94, who has dementia, was being evicted. The family was informed by the nurse who phoned them that Marilou can't transfer into memory … [Continue reading]
Hospitals Must Tell Medicare Patients if Care Is ‘Observation’ Only
Q. My father was in the hospital last month due to a fall in the stairwell at my parents' split-level home. My mother wasn't able to lift him herself, so the ambulance came to assist her. They thought he seemed weak and out of sorts, so they insisted … [Continue reading]
Falls Aren’t Just a Normal Part of Aging — They Are Preventable!
It’s fall -- an ideal time to put on a light sweater, take a walk in the crisp air, and watch the green leaves being replaced by dazzling amber, maroon, gold, and bronze hues. Besides the rustic colors, crunchy leaves beneath your feet, and … [Continue reading]
Changes to Veterans Pension Rules Are Looming — Plan Now!
Q. I’ve been an avid reader of your newsletter for many years. A couple of years ago, you published an article indicating that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was proposing significant changes to needs-based benefit programs, such as the … [Continue reading]
Scams Targeting Veterans and What to Do
Dear Magic, I have read that scams targeting veterans are pretty prevalent, and that is so unfortunate. Can you tell me what types of scams they are, so I can warn my dad? Thanks for your help! Nomar Scamms --- Dear … [Continue reading]
Can Your Spouse Get Paid for Being Your Caregiver?
Joseph quit his full-time job to provide full-time care for his wife, Stephanie, who is suffering from early-onset dementia. He bathes and dresses her, prepares her meals, takes her blood pressure, gives her prescribed medications twice a day, and … [Continue reading]
With the New Tax Law and Life Changes, it’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan
Q. Throughout the last decade, I have gone through so many changes in my life. Nine years ago, my wife passed away. A few years later our daughter got married, followed by my other daughter, followed by me getting remarried. Now I have a new wife, … [Continue reading]
Estate Planning for Your Pet
Dear Bebe, I inherited a macaw from my deceased sister several years ago. My husband and I are in our 60s, but I know these birds can live long time and could be around a lot longer than us. I don't know anyone personally who would want to take on … [Continue reading]
Navigating an End-of-Life Rally
Michael, an advanced Alzheimer's patient, was in hospice care and didn't have much time. He was experiencing what some believe to be precursors to death, such as loss of appetite, changes in breathing, and more confusion than usual, and his organs … [Continue reading]
Imagine Paying College Tuition for the Rest of Your Life . . .
Q. I recently read an article in CNBC that’s states that, “It can take millions to care for your special needs child.” The article describes how one family needed $3 million to cover the cost of lifetime care for their 23-year-old son who has autism. … [Continue reading]
Building a Life Care Plan for a Special Needs Loved One
Dear Magic, Our daughter has special needs. We have money set aside for her in a special needs trust and we have an ABLE account set up. We want to do more to plan for her future. I heard about something called a Life Care Plan. What is it and … [Continue reading]
The “Queen of Soul” and Other Celebrities Who Died Without a Will
Aretha Franklin, "the Queen of Soul" died on August 16, at the age of 76, from pancreatic cancer. Similar to many other celebrities as we will describe in more detail in this article, a recent court filing revealed that Franklin didn't have a will … [Continue reading]
How to Find the Best Nursing Home for Your Loved One
Q. We are looking for the right nursing home for my mother, but I’m having trouble knowing whether to trust the ratings I see online on the federal government’s Nursing Home Compare website. For instance, there’s a nursing home close to my house that … [Continue reading]
Red Flags When Choosing a Nursing Home
Dear Ribbit, We are currently looking for a nursing home for my father and we narrowed it down to two. I have made several visits and interviewed staff and residents using your Nursing Home Evaluation Tool. There were certain things I think would … [Continue reading]
Edible Water to Combat Dehydration in Dementia
It’s the end of August and it’s almost Labor Day weekend. Many of us celebrate the holiday with barbecues, pool parties, and picnics in the park, enjoying the last hurrah of 90-degree weather. Unfortunately, for people with dementia, the warmer … [Continue reading]
Social Security is 83! How to Get the Most Out of the Program
Q. My husband and I are approaching 62 years old, the year when we both first qualify for Social Security. Now that we’ve reached this point, I have a few questions about the program. I was wondering what the advantages are of taking the benefits … [Continue reading]
A New Docubank Feature — My Medical Snapshot
Dear Bebe, I carry around my DocuBank Card, and love the peace of mind of having it in my wallet. I have one concern, however. What if I was too incapacitated and in the emergency room. How would doctors know about my medical history, including … [Continue reading]
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